“I need time,” he says. “I’m not saying it’s fine. I’m not saying I understand.”
“I know.”
He stands. He walks the two meters between us and his arms go around me. His chin on top of my head the way it used to land when I was shorter and the gesture meant I’ve got you. The hug isn’t forgiveness. The holding is older than the argument, older than the line he drew.
He steps back. His hands on my shoulders.
“I love you, Tobíku.” His voice cracks on the name. He covers it with a breath. “I am going to be okay with this.”
“Good.”
I hug him again and head out.
The elevator arrives. The lobby appears. The doorman gives me a thumbs-up in our selfie and then I wave and walk through the front doors and the heat finds me, pressing from all sides.
The walk home takes twenty minutes. The same route, the same green, the same city doing its ordinary things. I told the truth and my brother heard it. It cost him and it freed me and both of those are true.
The door to my apartment opens to quiet. The sunflower from yesterday is in the glass on the counter, still open, petals catching the light.
I put my phone on the counter and the screen lights up and there is a message I missed. From Damián. Sent earlier while I was with my brother.
Two sentences.
The match is tomorrow. Come to the tunnel after.
BRNO'S BEST #4
Šíma
knockout round tomorrow. Mexico. I have watched three hours of film and I have feelings
Kovár
what kind of feelings
Šíma
tactical feelings. their right winger cuts inside on every third touch. I've charted it. he is predictable and also very fast, which is a bad combination
Novotný
for us or for him
Šíma
for us. predictable and fast means you know what's coming and can't stop it
Polášek
that's not great, Šíma
Šíma
I am reporting facts. the facts are not obligated to be encouraging
Kovár
their striker is good
